"For the first time, we now believe we can win something."
So said Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard after his performance inspired Chelsea to hammer Newcastle United 5-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Blues boss Claudio Ranieri is often quoted claiming that his side are still learning how to be a team and thus will not win the title this season, but this rout of the Magpies will have confirmed to all in football that Chelsea are serious title contenders.
The Chelsea display was not a classic despite the scoreline - they strolled into a two-goal lead before Andy O'Brien was harshly sent off as he conceded a 42nd minute penalty.
Lampard took the spot-kick, blasting past a helpless Shay Given.
The game was over as a contest and it was just a matter of time before the Londoners added to their tally.
Chelsea's dominance started as early as the fourth minute when Damien Duff's rasping daisy cutter was well held by Given.
But the breakthrough came in the 25th minute from an unlikely source.
Wayne Bridge's left wing cross was missed by a host of players and the ball fell to full-back Glen Johnson, who took his time before blasting high past Given.
Fourteen minutes later the Blues doubled their lead as another attack wide on the left saw Duff whip in a cross from which Hernan Crespo tucked the ball home from six yards.
Then came the sending off - O'Brien raced to catch Adrian Mutu, tugged the Romanian's shirt just outside the box only for the forward to tumble into the area.
Referee Paul Durkin adjudged that O'Brien prevented a clear scoring chance for Mutu and sent off the defender.
He also awarded a penalty, which Lampard tucked away.
The fourth goal arrived after 78 minutes with Given culpable, as his poor clearance was picked up by Duff who advanced into the area and lashed the ball home left-footed.
Eidur Gudjohnsen completed the scoring with six minutes remaining, heading Bridge's swinging cross powerfully past Given from eight yards.